Key facts
UNE unit code: AFM324
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Small businesses are critical to Australia’s prosperity, accounting for 34 per cent of our gross domestic profit and employing more than 40 per cent of our workforce, according to Australian government data.
Starting and operating a successful small business requires a unique set of management abilities. Studying this unit will equip you with the skills to future proof your career in small business.
You will explore the importance of small businesses to Australia’s economy as well as success factors in small enterprise management. You will examine acquisition methods and business planning, and gain insights into sources of funding and external assistance, exporting and e-commerce.
You will hone your knowledge of management functions including marketing, operations, human resource management, finance and accounting.
Through practical assignments, you will apply your skills to solve business-related problems in small business management.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the key processes and issues relevant in starting, operating or exiting a business, and apply this to business-related problems;
- use a range of cognitive and communication skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to demonstrate critical thinking and judgement in solving complex problems in small business management;
- work independently and/or collaboratively to plan and execute tasks to enhance professional knowledge and skills in small business management; and
- apply critical and creative thinking to analyse complex real-world business problems and synthesise materials from a variety of sources in identifying solutions.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 - Online Activity | Yes | 15% | Trimester 1, Online | Online case discussion. No. Words: 1000 |
Assignment 2 | Yes | 45% | All offerings | Feasibility study. No. Words: 3000 |
Final Examination | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Global Edition
ISBN: 9781292266022
Scarborough, N.M. and Cornwall, J.R., Pearson Education Limited, United Kingdom 9th ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
19 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 19 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2025Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity
Good Universities Guide 2025Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-time Employment
Good Universities Guide 2025 (Undergraduate)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?

I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.